Baleshwar: Continuous rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has raised concerns of fresh flooding in parts of northern Odisha, with water levels in major rivers steadily rising.
As per reports, the Jalaka river was flowing at 6.48 metres at Mathani, just 2 cm below the danger mark of 6.50 metres. The Subarnarekha river was recorded at 9.68 metres at Rajghat, above the warning level, while the Budhabalanga river stood at 7.38 metres at NH-5, also above the warning level.
If the Jalaka crosses the danger mark, around 50 villages across nearly 10 gram panchayats in Basta block — including Dudhhansha, Baharda, Natakata, Brahmanda, Mathani and Barunagadia — could be affected. Two panchayats in Baleshwar Sadar block may also face the impact.
Large tracts of farmland could be inundated, threatening standing crops. The district administration is closely monitoring the situation and has advised residents in low-lying areas to remain alert.
Meanwhile, nine gates of the Galudih barrage in Jharkhand have been opened, which is likely to cause a fresh rise in the water level of the Subarnarekha River. Authorities have been put on alert as further rainfall may worsen the flood situation.
